We were delighted to welcome LWtr(SM) Jamie Martin from the Submarine Specialist Attract Team to Brooke Weston Academy for a presentation about working with the Royal Navy Submariners to our Year 11 students.

Jamie provided fascinating insights into life aboard the HMS Vanguard, which recently spent an impressive 204 days underwater. He shared interesting details, such as how the crew receives messages from home that they cannot respond to while on duty.

HM Naval Base Clyde – commonly known throughout the Navy as Faslane – is the Royal Navy’s main presence in Scotland, located about 30 minutes from Glasgow. It is home to the core of the Submarine Service, supporting 5,000 sailors and 5,000 civilian personnel. There are other bases around the UK where you can also learn the trade.

Training to drive a submarine includes classroom instruction and simulator training. Careers onboard a Royal Navy submarine are diverse and include warfare (sonar systems and tactical systems), engineering and medical (Marine Engineering and Weapons Engineering), and logistics (Catering services, Supply Chain, Writer).

Amber Colquhoun, Director of Digital Strategy, Careers & Work-Related Learning, said, 'There are lots of exciting opportunities and a rewarding career with the Royal Navy. You can join from the age of 16 (17.5 years for Medical Assistant) with no qualifications or experience required, although GCSE English and Maths Grade 4+ are necessary. All roles are apprenticeship-based, with the Royal Navy offering an Accelerated Apprenticeship with a starting salary of £37,000. As you work towards your Submarine Qualification, you can earn the prestigious dolphin badge once you qualify as a submariner.'